I Prefer Zipped Up to the Neck

How do you wear your jacket? Maybe you've never even thought about it.

Main Square, Mariehamn, Feb 2022 | Lisa Bolin

Okay, so I might be generalising a little here, but I don’t think there’s a Finn alive who wears their coat or jacket open in winter. They. Just. Don’t. Do. It.

I was pondering this whilst on yard duty the other day, watching the kids play football (aka soccer) on the snow-covered pitch. They were all running around like maniacs, beanies on, jackets zipped up as high as they could go. Except for one kid. He’s a little guy, long blond hair, no beanie, jacket open. And he’s from the States.

Yep. The only kid out there without their jacket zipped up to their neck was the kid from the US. It was open, blowing in the breeze as he ran about. And that got me curious…

A few years ago, not long after moving here, I noticed in a few crime drama series I’d watch, set in chilly winter places, there were people (actors!) with open jackets in what was obviously minus degree weather. Now, I don’t know about you, but to me, that’s just nuts. I remember watching one Icelandic Noir series where I nearly started yelling at the main character to do his bloody jacket up, as he battled blizzards. You’d think they’d know better, those Icelandics! But I’m yet to see a Finnish person do it.

So, I know you’re wondering, is it a cultural thing? Is it part of being a member of the happiest nation on earth? (Four years in a row now - and all since I moved here… hmmmm! 😉) Is it being practical about life? Does sharing a border with Russia make a nation zip up their jackets and look out at the horizon, facing the cold wind with a stoic look on their collective face? I don’t know. But my (obviously very scientific) observations have been that Finns just prefer keeping warm and buttoning up to the chin.

They also own large numbers of jackets and coats. Some friends of mine have so many hanging in the convenient space near their main door, it looks like twenty people live there. There are only two of them. They have all sorts of jackets and coats - formal wool coats, several puffy down jackets of different puffiness and length, waterproof raincoats (of different lengths), hardcore winter jackets for extreme outdoor pursuits like boating in April. And that’s just for one person.

Since moving here, I have started to collect these coats and jackets. I’ve found that one does, indeed, need many different kinds of outer layers depending on the temperature, wind conditions and chance of precipitation. Whilst I am yet to reach the piles that other friends have, I am pleased to say I’ll have plenty of hanging space to put my collection thanks to my partner’s sparse jacket and coat collection

Yes, I have managed to find one of the rare Finns who basically wears the same outer layer in almost all weather conditions. But he does zip it up to his neck.

I am happy to say that I never wear my coat open mid-winter. I wear scarfs and beanies, have different coats and jackets if it rains or snows, whether it’s above or below zero. I zip or button my jacket or coat up as high as it will go. Maybe I should take this evidence to prove I’m worthy of citizenship!

Stay Well,

Lisa x

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Why do things like this intrigue me? For those of you new to this little blog-newsletter (Hello! Welcome!) it’s because of the contrasts. Sure, I had a coat and jacket or two in Australia, I lived in the south after all, but I know people who live in the north of Australia who have never owned a jumper, let alone a coat. Imagine?!
I’m fascinated by the small differences you notice when you live in a new place, a different culture. And so I write about it.

Other Things:

Currently Reading:

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See - fiction but based on an amazing group of women on the island of Jeju in Korea who are divers, making a living from the abundance of the sea. It’s a fascinating read, particularly as the haenyeo (as they are called) are on the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

I’m Making:

Little hearts made of fabric scraps and embroidery thread. It’s a lot of fun and quite calming. I’ve posted photos on Instagram on my @penspaperspaints account. Maybe give it a try! I’m going to make a banner.

Events for Women:

Join a fortnightly conversation about books - bring what you’re currently reading, a favourite book, ideas, a cup of tea and an open mind! The next one will be held on February 23rd - there are two sessions to suit global time zones. Click here to join the Garden of Neuro space to find out more. (Or reply to this email)

I’ll be running a writing workshop on how to write a personal essay. The theme will be Transformational Moments with the aim of having a plan and outline to work on for submission to the Garden of Neuro’s Medium publication and a potential anthology later in the year. Reply to this email for more information or join the Garden of Neuro here.

Are you interested in a deep dive into four life-changing books? The One Mind Book Club has started the year with Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Noah Yuval Harari. If you’re interested in joining us, let me know by hitting reply. We have monthly scheduled zoom chats as well as a free study guide. Next on the list is Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta starting in April.